A major Gqeberha mall is undergoing an expansion and refurbishment that will bring several new stores to the city, including the first physical Yuppiechef store in the Eastern Cape.

Growthpoint Properties is expanding and upgrading Walmer Park Shopping Centre, which currently has around 43 000 square metres of retail space and approximately 120 stores.

The project is being carried out in phases, with the first phase already completed.

New stores have already opened at Walmer Park

The first phase of the redevelopment began in March 2026 and created additional space for existing retailers while allowing new brands to enter the centre.

Burnt Studios and Old School opened in July, with both stores being exclusive to Walmer Park in Gqeberha.

More retailers have followed, with Bootlegger Coffee, FARO, and Slops and Clogs opening at the Gqeberha mall since the beginning of August.

The additional retail space was created through a new mall area, allowing the centre to expand its offering despite already having a relatively full tenant mix.

Growthpoint’s head of retail asset management, Gavin Jones, said the centre had demonstrated strong trading performance and tenant demand, supporting continued investment.

Yuppiechef is coming to Gqeberha

The biggest addition is still to come. The final phase of the redevelopment is expected to be completed in November 2026, ahead of the festive shopping season.

This phase will bring Yuppiechef’s first physical store in the Eastern Cape to Walmer Park.

International beauty brand ARC will also open at the centre, while iStore will receive a redesigned store.

Several other retailers will also move into updated spaces as part of the final stage.

The redevelopment is the eighth upgrade in Walmer Park’s 38-year history.

The project also includes energy-efficient lighting and a rooftop solar installation, while the centre will continue supplying filtered borehole water to customers and tenants.

Walmer Park centre manager Leonie Scheepers said shoppers had responded positively to the new retail offering already introduced.

She said the centre was bringing brands and experiences to Gqeberha that shoppers could not find elsewhere in the city, with more additions expected before the festive season.